Government and
public sector

We have significant experience in acting for local governments, government departments and statutory authorities. Based on our in-depth understanding of public sector processes and the unique legislative and regulatory environment in which they exist, we are well versed in addressing the complex legal, commercial and political concerns of this sector.

We have been advising government departments and agencies and local government for many years. Our people understand the culture and dynamics of the public sector environment, and are adept at complying with rigorous reporting and other accountability requirements. We are also practiced model litigants, and appreciate that the solution to a problem often requires a careful balance of policy, administrative and strategic imperatives.

Our team has expertise in the key areas of law relevant to the public sector, including:

property law: advice on all aspects of real property, including sales, acquisitions, leasing and subdivisions, as well as planning and environmental approvals, appeals and prosecutions, and construction contracts

dispute resolution: arbitrations, mediations, conciliations and general litigation, personal injury litigation, construction and building disputes, royal commissions and inquiries.

Examples of some of our public sector clients include City of Ballarat; City of Greater Geelong; Coliban Water; Department of Premier and Cabinet; Melbourne Water; Metropolitan Ambulance Service; Museum Victoria; Note Printing Australia Limited (a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of Australia); Port of Melbourne Corporation; Transport Accident Commission; Transport Ticketing Authority; Victorian Auditor-General’s Office; WorkSafe Victoria; Wyndham City Council. We also advise a number of tertiary institutions, including Swinburne University of Technology and Victoria University.